01
die Tablette
tablet / pill
A small, compressed form of medication intended to be taken orally.
example
Der Arzt hat mir Tabletten gegen die Kopfschmerzen verschrieben.
The doctor prescribed me tablets for the headache.
die Tablette
tablet
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue: medicine
When 'Tablette' (tablet/pill) is used in the context of doctors, pharmacies, illnesses, or pain, it always means the medical pill. Pay attention to signal words like 'Arzt' (doctor), 'Rezept' (prescription), or 'Kopfschmerzen' (headache).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss dreimal täglich eine Tablette nehmen.
I have to take one tablet three times a day.
Context clue: technology
When apps, browsing the internet, battery, or screen are being discussed, 'Tablette' (tablet) refers to the portable computer. The technical context makes the meaning clear.
EXAMPLE
Der Akku meiner Tablette ist schon wieder leer.
The battery of my tablet is dead again already.
Correct verb: einnehmen
The typical verb for swallowing medication is 'einnehmen' (to take). You don't 'eat' or 'drink' a tablet.
EXAMPLE
Nehmen Sie die Tablette mit ausreichend Wasser ein.
Take the tablet with enough water.
Correct preposition: auf
When describing an activity on a tablet computer, the preposition 'auf' (on) is used with the dative. For example, you browse 'auf der Tablette' (on the tablet).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielen gerne auf der Tablette.
The children like playing on the tablet.
Compare with
Tablette vs Medikament
medication
'das Medikament' and 'die Tablette' both have to do with treatment and health. 'Medikament' is the general term for a remedy for symptoms or illnesses. It can be a tablet, but also a syrup, an ointment, or an injection. 'Tablette' mainly describes the form: a small compressed medication to swallow. Learners may confuse the words because many medications are tablets. To be precise: every tablet for an illness is a medication, but not every medication is a tablet.
Tablette
Nach dem Frühstück nimmt Paul eine Tablette mit einem Glas Wasser.
After breakfast, Paul takes a tablet with a glass of water.
Medikament
Die Ärztin verschreibt mir ein Medikament gegen die Schmerzen.
The doctor prescribes me a medication for the pain.
In real life
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